Sunnyside officer injured in foot pursuit

A Sunnyside Police Department sergeant was injured early Friday morning while pursuing an 18-year-old Sunnyside man found in possession of beer and drug paraphernalia.

According to Sunnyside Police Department Capt. Phil Schenck, the officer was patrolling the area of Spaulding Avenue and Rossier Street just after midnight when he spotted a suspicious subject wearing all black, carrying a white backpack walking north on Rossier Street.

According to Schenck, the officer contacted the suspect, who offered his wallet to the policeman without him asking.

When the officer asked what was in the suspect's backpack, the suspect opened the bag and showed him a notebook. The officer noticed that several cans of beer were in the bottom of the bag. While taking the beer, Schenck said the officer also found in the bag a small silver pipe that smelled of marijuana.

When the officer told the man he was under arrest, Schenck said the suspect began to run.

"The suspect tried to run down a very steep slope and fell and began to roll," said Schenck.

The officer also fell, but was able to catch the suspect and arrest him.

Upon arrest, a substance believed to be marijuana inside a paper towel was found on the suspect.

Both the officer and the suspect were treated for their injuries Sunnyside Community Hospital. The suspect sustained minor injuries and the officer sprained his ankle and will be off work for 10 days, said Schenck.

The suspect was arrested and has been initially charged with minor under 21 in possession of alcohol, drug paraphernalia prohibited, marijuana prohibited, resisting arrest and fourth degree assault.